Raw Food Diet: What To Know

Overview

The aim:

Depends, but may include weight loss, improved health and helping the environment.

The claim:

Raw food is packed with natural enzymes and nutrients that help the body reach optimal health – and you’ll shed pounds.

The theory:

Raw foodism traces back to the late 1800s, when Maximilian Bircher-Benner, a doctor, discovered he could cure his own jaundice by eating raw apples. Thus began a series of experiments testing the effects of raw food on human health, and the diet has continued to evolve. Raw food hasn’t been cooked, processed, microwaved, irradiated, genetically engineered or exposed to pesticides or herbicides. It includes fresh fruits, berries, vegetables, nuts, seeds and herbs in their whole, natural state. Proponents say cooking obliterates most of the vitamins in food and nearly all of the immune-boosting plant nutrients (though scientific evidence to support these claims is lacking). Most who follow the plan consume only half the calories they would eat on a cooked diet.

Balanced Diet

These diets fall within accepted ranges for the amount of protein, carbs, fat and other nutrients they provide.

Pros & Cons

• Fruits and veggies dominate the menu
• Nearly guaranteed weight loss

• Tedious meal prep; equipment required
• Lots of rules